OpenSolar – Andy Rose, Head of EMEA

The Client

OpenSolar is working to accelerate the adoption of solar and renewable energy globally.  Following its success in Australia and USA, OpenSolar began its expansion into Europe and the UK in early 2023. The company selected 360 Business Law to help navigate the legal requirements when moving into new territories.  

OpenSolar provides professionals in solar and clean energy with the end-to-end digital design, sales and management software to grow their businesses.  The software is free for solar professionals since OpenSolar’s partners pay to be a part of the software platform. These partners include product manufacturers, finance companies, distributors, solar permit companies, education providers, and many more – all of whom provide services to solar professionals. 

What were OpenSolar looking for in a law firm?

360 Business Law delivers high quality and localised legal support that has enabled us to introduce many new European partners onto our platform. They have helped us create a range of templated contracts that comply with both UK and European law, and they have worked closely with us when negotiating terms with larger partners. 

One partnership is with a major distributor of plumbing and heating components. 360 was instrumental in helping us to secure the deal, ensuring that we were protected and had the appropriate terms underpinning the agreement.   

Most recently, we wanted to approach the German market with our vision of enabling banks and lenders to offer the finance required for solar panel systems as an integrated product within our software.  Tim and his colleagues advised on Germany’s financing and selling laws which also encompassed contractual and data law.

Why 360 Business Law?

We have built a great relationship with Tim Shutler.  He has become our go to for all legal issues and we appreciate that he has access to 360’s extensive team of legal specialists to advise us on new territories such as Germany, Spain and others, whilst ensuring it is tailored to our business needs, so we experience continuity in the advice that we receive. 

The turnaround from 360 is excellent. One of things that struck us is their genuine interest in our business. They really understand what OpenSolar is trying to accomplish and what we want to achieve with our partnerships. They have taken the time to understand our platform and our business goals, so that their practical advice anticipates where OpenSolar is going and not just where we currently are. There is no ego, they are down–to–earth people, and we enjoy working with them. They feel like part of our team and an extension of our business.